Snow On The Way, Time To Store The Hay

Nov 16, 2015

A nice open fall this year has meant that most livestock producers have had a chance to move their hay home. Leaving the bales out in the field can prove costly due to stand damage and quality losses.

Andre Bonneau, a regional forage specialist with Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture, says when it comes to storing the bales, shelter is ideal but there are other options. Some producers like to store the bales end-to-end, while others use the mushroom style:

"The bottom bale is on end, and the top bale is on its side," Bonneau explains, "that works really well if you're going through that hay fairly quickly, if you're go through that hay over the winter. But long-term, your best bet is tube-style, like I said, end-to-end about three feet apart."

Leaving bales out in the field can cause damage to the hay stand and the bale itself, as it's exposed on all sides to the weather. Bonneau says storing the bales properly will help to preserve the quality.

Source : PortageOnline

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.